Who Are You?

 BY Argie Simonis

"And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" Acts 19:15 

I think this is a very good question that we should all ask in front of the mirror. 

Who are you?

The seven sons of the Jewish high priest Sceva tried to become "exorcists" thinking that the name of Jesus is "magical" and works wonders when you use it. Peter explains that this is done only through faith in His name:

"And his name through faith in his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know: yes, the faith which is by him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." Acts 3:16 

Faith in the name of Jesus is what will make this work. Of course the devil and the demons know Jesus, who has the keys of hell and death (Rev. 1:18) and who publicly defeated them (Col. 2:15)

Have you ever wondered why the demons know Paul and not the seven sons of Sceva? Jesus answers that when His 70 disciples returned:

"And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject to us through your name." Luke 10:17 

"Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20 

There are many references in the Scriptures to the Book of Life, that is, God has a book that lists the names of those who really follow Him. (Phil. 4: 3, Rev. 3: 5, 13: 8, 17: 8, 20:12, 22:19) This book identifies those who will be saved from the times of trouble spoken by the prophet Daniel:

"and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." Daniel 12:1

Those found in the Book of Life, the Lord Jesus Himself, will confess their names before the Father and His angels:

"He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." Revelation 3:5

and will enter the New Jerusalem:

"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:27 

There is also a very strict warning:

"And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:19 

I will close here by repeating the same question: 

Who are you?

Do you want your name to be known in Heaven and  hell? For celebration in Heaven and for terror in hell? Do not postpone the salvation of your soul for "some time in the future". Eternal life begins here and now:

"That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation." Rom. 10:9-10 

Amen!

Dead Churches

 BY Argie Simonis

When Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, he refers to the last days and speaks of people who will be 

" lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God..." 2 Tim. 3:2-4

Observing today's society, we see how timeless these words of the apostle Paul are. The sad thing is that the church today is no exception to this picture and this is where I would like to focus. I understand how easy it is for a person without Christ to fall into these traps, but when this happens to a great extent within His own church, it causes me great concern.

The key to understanding the problem is in the next verse:

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." 2 Tim. 3:5 

Paul here refers to these religious people, whose religion is simply a "form of piety." There is no reality or truth in this.

Paul advises us to avoid such hypocrites. The question is, what do we do as believers? Should we avoid those who deny the power of the Gospel? There are millions of Christians living in "dead" churches in the hope of changing them.

What is certain is that there are no perfect churches or perfect people. There is certainly room to extend grace to brothers and sisters in Christ, but there is a fine line between "acceptable" and "intolerable," that is, where there is no room for compromise. This "intolerable" is what I believe Paul advises Timothy when he says "avoid them."

In the Book of Acts we read:

"And he went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus." Acts 19:8-9 

Here we see a specific example from the life of Paul, who, while in Ephesus, "separated the disciples" from those who denied the Gospel. There are other instances where Paul asked his disciples to stay away from ungodly people:

"Now I beseech you, brothers, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them." Rom.16:17 

"But now I have written to you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortionist; with such an one no not to eat." 1Cor. 5:11 

"Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." 2Thes. 3:6 

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself." 1Τim. 6:5 

As long as the people of the synagogue were open to receive teaching, Paul remained and shared the Gospel. But when they started to oppose him and speak evil of him, he left taking his disciples with him.

So what is Paul's message regarding us?

The synagogues in Paul's day allowed both members and visitors to minister (Acts 13: 5).

In most churches today only the pastor (and in some the "special priest") have this privilege, so church members do not have the opportunity to contribute or influence to the extent that Paul could do back then. From what I see so far, it really takes a miracle for change to come to such a church. And this change comes only from the pastor or the person in charge and not from the ordinary members.

If you feel that you are a member of such a "dead" church, Paul advises you to leave and go where you can be fed, and nourished and grow by the Word of God, where you can  contribute to the spiritual growth of other people and bear fruit.

Watch the video with english subs:

Faith produces good works

BY Argie Simonis

 "Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17 

Just as the air we breathe saves us from death, the same way faith works according to James. The air is what saves us, but we are the ones who have to breathe it.

So faith is what saves us,

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Rom. 3:28 

"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God"  Eph. 2:8 

but true and genuine faith must have actions to be alive. Acting according to our faith is like breathing. This is what makes faith come alive and enables it to produce and bring to the natural realm what exists in the "invisible", the spiritual realm.

Keep on reading:

"You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19

This I believe is one of the most sarcastic statements in the Bible. If you believe in the existence of the one and true God, you are doing well, but you have done nothing more than what the demons have done, who know very well who God is and that He exists. But the demons are not saved. All their actions are against the Lordship of Jesus. They are completely antichrist.

What distinguishes us, believers in Christ, from the devil and his demons is that our actions correspond to our faith in the Lord. In other words, our actions are the fruit of our faith in the Lord. James tries to explain this here by saying that "faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone."

Simply acknowledging the existence of God without corresponding acts of submission to His Lordship puts us in the same category as the devil and his demons. Hell will be full of people who have acknowledged the Father and Jesus, but who have never acted on that faith in humble submission.

Amen!

God and Destiny

BY Argie Simonis

"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1Τιm. 2:4 

Here we see clearly that it is God's will for all people to be saved. Nevertheless, this does not happen, because it is our choice as to whether God's will comes to pass in our lives. The Lord does not exercise sovereign control over us. He has a plan for our lives,

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 

but it is up to us to accept it or not. Although the Lord wants everyone to be saved, Jesus reveals to us that this will not happen:

"Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it." 

Μat. 7:13-14

God's will does not happen automatically and that is because there is the factor of "free will" that he has given to man. The Lord will not decide for you, but neither can the devil force you to go to hell. Its your choice:

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live" Deut. 30:19

Teachings that claim that God predetermines who will be saved and who will be lost are demonic and extremely dangerous! Peter tells us the same thing:

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2Pet. 3:9 

The reason the Lord delays His Second Coming is to give mankind the opportunity to repent. He wants everyone to be saved. He does not want anyone to be lost.

The Lord does not control everything. God is Allmighty, but He does not choose to use His power in a way that abolishes the right of free will given to us. It is not His will for anyone to be lost, but it happens. Why; Because of their choice, not God's.

Teachings like "nothing happens except what God wants or allows" are completely wrong. The fact that God "allows" things to happen in the world means that He has given mankind power over this earth and their own lives. So God allows what we allow.

We live in a fallen world with a roaming devil, who hates us deadly.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour" 1Pet. 5:8 

We need to learn to recognize whose fingerprints are at the scene of each crime. The Lord is in complete control and will fulfill all His promises, but we cannot blame Him for all evil that exists.

It is not only His will for all to be saved, but He also wants all to come to the knowledge of the truth. Your personal relationship with the Lord is more than just being saved. As a believer you must renew your mind through the truth of the Word of God, so that the salvation that exists within you may be seen on the outside and you can bear fruit.

Amen!

Amazing Grace

BY Argie Simonis

"O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" Gal. 3:1 

If we truly understand the message of the Cross, then we also understand Divine Grace. The sacrifice of our Jesus was not just a symbolic act. He paid for it all! There is no sacrifice we can make that will add to or replace the sacrifice of Christ. The sermon that our holiness is required to receive from God voids the sacrifice of Christ:

"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Gal. 2:21 

However, it is a common mistake for people who come to the Lord "as I am because God loves me and forgives me" to fall back into the delusion that they must be holy enough for the Lord to answer their prayers. This is exactly what Paul points out here.

We often extend grace to drunks or prostitutes who are not born again. We tell them about God's love and how He wants to help them. But let them be born again and then sin again, and the very people who told them how much God loved them before they were saved, are ready to stone them for the slightest transgression they will commit. This is not the true gospel. We are not saved by grace and then we are maintained by works.

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:8 

Beware of this insidious and demonic spirit of religion! The only way to recognize and deal with it is to study and know  God's Word.

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

Amen! 

Tribulation works patience

 BY Argie Simonis

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience" Rom. 5:3

There is a misconception about this verse. Many believe that God is the one who brings sorrow into our lives in order to teach us patience.

Tribulations exist, not because God causes them, but because of the open war that exists between the kingdom of God and the devil. Likewise, tribulations and adversities are not blessings from God, but attacks from the enemy in order to steal the Word of God from our lives.

In the parable of the sower in Mark 4:16, we see that the seed falls on the stony ground and

"they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution rises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." Mark 4:16-17

Temptations never come from God,

"for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man" James 1:13

That is why Paul tells us to glory in tribulations, because when we emerge victorious in this, we will enjoy the spoils of battle which is the patience and hope that get stronger within us.

If problems were what perfected us, then most Christians would have been perfected a long time ago and those who experience the greatest problems would be the greatest Christians, but that of course is not the case. God's education is based on His Word, not on tribulations. The Word of God has been given to make us perfect and fully equipped for every good work:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works." 2Τιμ. 3:16-17

The Word of God does not need problems and tribulations as a "nutritional supplement" to do its job.

This is very important! Misinterpreting this truth carries great dangers. Those who believe that God has ordained the problems in their lives to function as a "redemptive virtue" will submit to these problems and therefore to satan, the creator of these problems. James writes in his letter:

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

James 4:7

If Satan can deceive you, turn this around and make you submit to the problems he brings into your life, he has you:

"Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?"

Rom. 6:16

Paul simply rejoiced that, even in tribulations, he had the opportunity to use, and therefore strengthen, the patience that had already been given to him as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23) and through the Word of God ( Romans 15: 4). And he believed that by being patient, he would gain experience that would give him even more hope the next time the devil attacked.

Likewise, we can rejoice in tribulations, knowing that no matter what the devil does, we will win and reap the spoils of victory!

Traditions

 BY Argie Simonis

CHURCH TRADITIONS ---- Good or bad? Should we follow them or not?

2 Thes. 2:15 vs Matt. 15:2-9

I intend to focus into the uncovering of this dangerous spirit of religiosity that comes in a very subtle way from within the church, or else the "religious" spirit that crucified our Christ. Today's post is just an introduction to what follows.

On one hand we have the apostle Paul telling us:

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." 2 Thessalonians 2:15

On the other hand we read Jesus' words from the gospel of Matthew:

"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" Matthew 15:3

"Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:7‭-‬9

A representative example is the following text I found posted on a page:

"The term Mysteries generally refers to the divinely ordained ceremonies necessary for the salvation of man, which aim at the sanctification of the members of the church, their union with the deity and the ability to inherit eternal life."

If the salvation of man is based on rituals, I do not wonder for the state our society is in today.

The same Paul urging the Thessalonians to keep the traditions they were taught, he says to the Galatians:

"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?"

Galatians 3:1‭-‬3

To be continued...

You do not have a faith problem

 BY Argie Simonis

"His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."

2 Peter 1:3 KJV

In Peter's words here it is clear that you do not have a faith problem, but of knowledge. Everything you need for "life and godliness" can be obtained through the deep knowledge and a personal relationship with Him:

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge " Hosea 4:6

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Romans 10:17

Quench not the Spirit.

BY Argie Simonis

 "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

The spirit of religion strikes again! This time it is trying to "quench" the Spirit of God. Human traditions, inspired by this wicked spirit, use the Word of God, just as Satan tried to tempt our Christ by using words from the Scriptures against Him. So here it follows the same tactic based on the following:

"Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

1 Corinthians 13:8‭-‬10

When perfection comes, 3 things will be removed: Prophecy, tounges and knowledge. Knowledge has certainly not been abolished yet. In fact, we live in times when knowledge is at its peak. But what about prophecies and tongues? It is wrongly taught that the "perfect that is to come" is the Word of God. Meaning that from the moment we have the entire Bible, Old and New Testament, at our disposal, the perfect, that is, the infallible and perfect Word of God has come, which of course is true, but it is not the perfect one that Paul is talking about. here. What he means as perfect is the second coming of our Lord, when He receives His church and we have our glorious bodies that we will no longer know death or decay and we will know everything when we come face to face with our Lord Jesus. , the only living God. Glory be to His Name!

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

1 Corinthians 13:12

Then of course the prophecies and tongues will be abolished because they will no longer be needed. Be very careful to avoid error. The prophet Joel prophesies:

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."

Joel 2:28‭-‬29

And surely this prophecy does NOT refer to the day of Pentecost, because Paul confirms it later in his letter to 1 Corinthians:

"Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy."

1 Corinthians 14:1

Amen!

Tradition makes the word of God of none effect

 BY Argie Simonis

"Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which you have delivered: and many such like things do you." Mark 7:13

The worship and adoration of any person or object other than the living God, the Scriptures call it idolatry. Those who do so under the pretext of performing "honorable" and not "worshipful" worship fall into the trap of this spirit of relegion that Paul describes in Romans 1: 22-23:

"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."

And continues in verse 25: "who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

Romans 1:25

Neither did the apostle Peter receive an "honorable" bow when Cornelius rushed to fall at his feet (Acts 10:25), nor did the angel who appeared to John receive worship:

"Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God."

Revelation 22:9

He counts the number of the stars

 BY Argie Simonis

"He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names." Psalms 147:4

King Solomon apparently understood this when God told him to ask Him whatever he wanted and he chose wisdom (2 Chronicles 1: 7-12). The One who created and knows all the trillions of stars in the sky by their name, He is capable of bringing a solution to your problem.

The answer you are waiting for, whatever it is you are facing right now, is this: Ask for wisdom from the source of wisdom, the living God! With His wisdom you will see the world through His own eyes. He will give you an inspiration or an idea that will boost your finances or your professional career and you will get out of the misery of poverty. You will understand the power you have in His name over fear and every disease and you will enjoy freedom and health.

But above all you will enjoy eternal life, a true and everlasting relationship with Him (John 17: 3)

Believe not every spirit

 BY Argie Simonis

" Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God" 1 John 4:1

The spirit of religion is one of the most powerful and dangerous spirits. It is the one that crucified our Christ. It is very insidious and does not come into direct opposition to God. It is not trying to deny Him, but to replace Him. It does not come through the world, but through the church of God itself. That is why Christ fought it with such vigor.

"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for you neither go in yourselves, neither suffer you them that are entering to go in." Matt. 23:13

Be angry, and sin not

 BY Argie Simonis

"Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath" Eph. 4:26

Some translations misinterpret the meaning of this verse. It is the Lord's command to be angry and not sin. Be angry against sin but love the sinner, like our Christ did.

If Jesus came to the temple today with a whip to chase away the moneylenders and the merchants because they turned His Father's house into a house of commerce, I am sure the police would arrest Him for vandalism.

The Lord has placed in you Divine wrath.

Use it against sin, against sickness and not against your brother who has been created in His image and likeness and who was redeemed (just like you) with His blood!

A matter of Life and Death

 BY Argie Simonis

Today I would like to focus on two great personalities of the Bible. The apostle Paul and the apostle John.

Paul, formerly Saul, began as a Pharisee, a fanatical persecutor of Christians, because this is how he believed he was doing God's will:

"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." Acts 9:1-2 

In the process we see how God miraculously transforms him into the apostle Paul, the apostle of the nations. This conversion begins when Paul begins his mission sent by the Pharisees to imprison and execute Christians and on the way to Damascus Jesus appears:

"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me? And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecute: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks." Acts 9:3-5 

From there we see Paul's course and his spiritual maturity rising, when he himself mentions in his letter in 2 Corinthians 12:7 about the "the abundance of the revelations" he had received from the Lord. He introduces himself in the church of Corinth as follows:

"For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very most chief apostles." 2 Cor. 11:5

but humbly states this:

"After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all He (Jesus) was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." 1 Cor. 15:7-8

The Greek word that was translated “born out of due time” is “EKTROMA.” This is the only time this word is used in Scripture, and it means “a miscarriage (abortion). Paul was saying that in the same way that it would be unusual for a miscarried child to live, likewise, it was abnormal for him to be an apostle. This led right in to his next statement about being the least of the apostles.

Paul's spiritual maturity was indeed very high, but do you know what, in my opinion, was the mountain top of these revelations? Let us read his words: 

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I know not.For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." Phil. 1:21-24 

In a few words here Paul tells us that he is not sure what to choose: Death to "depart" and be with Christ or to remain for the building of the church? Eventually both were fulfilled, but think a little deeper. Who prefers death to "depart" and live with Christ, from life here on earth? Only someone to whom the treasure of God's love has been revealed. How is it possible to force or intimidate such a person? This revelation of God's love for the heavenly kingdom led Paul to write half of the New Testament and to be called the "apostle of the nations."

Since we are talking about love, let us also consider the apostle John, the disciple of love. John had similar revelations to those of Paul.

"Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not." Jer. 33:3

Do you know what, in my opinion, was the greatest revelation of John?

"Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved." John 13:23 

This is referring to the Apostle John. He speaks about it 5 more times (John 19:26, 20: 2, 21: 7, 20 and 24). This reveals much about himself, always referring to Himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. I am sure Jesus loved all the disciples the same, but John received this revelation in a special way.

With this revelation he became the author of one of the 4 gospels. He also wrote 3 letters (1', 2' and 3 John), as well as the book of Revelation, when the Lord himself visited him on the island of Patmos where he was in exile and revealed his future. He is also the disciple whom the Lord trusted in His mother:

"When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold your son! Then said he to the disciple, Behold your mother! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home." John 19:26-27 

How our lives can really change when we experience God's love!

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

It is a matter of life and death to know the true love of God in all its dimensions! We study the Scriptures to know God through His Word and let His Spirit reveal Himself to us in our hearts. I will close this message with something very dear from the Bible:

"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing. 

Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,
Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Cor. 13:3-7

Amen!

Submission and Obedience - A significant difference

 BY Argie Simonis   

The inability to understand the difference between submission and obedience has created great confusion and has given birth to many false teachings that have led some people to obey the commands of others and fall into sin. This is not required by God anywhere in His Word.

The concept of submission is defined as follows:

Submission is the acceptance or surrender to a higher power or to the will or power of another person. Obedience on the other hand is the execution of an order.

Although these two words seem synonymous, there is a significant difference between them: Submission is the attitude of the heart, while obedience is an act, that is, the execution of a command. Submission to higher authorities is not just an obligation but also a command of God. The apostle Paul explains this to us below:

"Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same:For he is the minister of God to you for good. 

But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil.Why you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." Rom. 13:1-5

The subject of submission to authority is a very basic teaching of the Bible. Some of the most important areas of submission mentioned in the Scriptures are

(1) submission to God (Ephesians 5:24 and James 4:7),
(2) submission to governmental authority (Romans 13:1-7),
(3) submission to the church or religious authority (Hebrews 13:17),
(4) women who submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5: 22-24 and Colossians 3:18),
(5) children submit to their parents (Ephesians 6: 1 and Colossians 3:20), 
(6) slaves submit to their masters (the present equivalent would be the employees who submit to their employers), (1 Peter 2:18 ), 
(7) the younger ones submit to the older ones (1 Peter 5: 5), and
(8) everyone submits lovingly to one another. (Ephesians 5:21 and 1 Peter 5: 5).

The apostle Peter explains it to us in a similar way. In 1 Peter 2:13-15 we read:
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or to governors, as to them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:" 1 Peter 2:13-15

In 1 Peter 2:12, Peter told these believers to lead honest lives before the lost. Here, he expounded on how that was to be done. They were to submit themselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. Remember that these people were living under corrupt Roman rule. The emperor proclaimed himself to be a god and demanded worship. 

The same apostle Peter, when addressing the religious leaders of that day, who forbade them to speak of Christ, said the following:

"But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge you. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20 

Here of course there is no contradiction in Peter's words and deeds, and I will explain it. The key to understanding this is to understand the difference between submission and obedience. It is not the same thing. Submission, as it appears from the definition I mentioned at the beginning of the message, is an attitude of the heart. Obedience is an act. The attitude of submission affects our actions, but you can disobey people in power and continue to submit to them.

When Peter disobeyed the command of the rulers not to teach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18), he did not rebel against their authority. He did not return to the believers to incite rebellion or criticize their actions. Instead, the believers prayed for boldness no matter what the rulers did (Acts 4: 23-30). This is submission without obedience. We should never violate God's laws because of man's laws. But in the process of doing the right thing, we must remain submissive in the  authorities. Any form of government is superior to anarchy.

We see the same in the case when the Pharaoh of Egypt ordered all male infants to be killed:
"And he said, When you do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the stools; if it be a son, then you shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive." Exodus 1:16-17 

So what should be our attitude as Christians? We follow what God calls us to do: Submission to authority and obedience to God's commands. And something else very important that the apostle Paul emphasizes:

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" 1 Tim. 2:1-3

Amen!

About conscience

 BY Argie Simonis

In the previous lesson "God & science" I referred to the role of science in our lives and how it aligns and harmonizes with the Word of God. Everything I have written is addressed to people who have the fear of God in their conscience and really seek to come to the knowledge of the truth. However, there are many people who do not belong to this category, with whom I will deal today. Our subject is the conscience of man under the light of the Word of God.

I quote the definition of consciousness:

"Conscience is the mental capacity of an organism which allows it, to the extension of its senses, to know and understand itself, its environment, what is happening around it and within it and to have as much as possible the sense of" position " and its importance to the world and the impact of its actions. " Source: Wikipedia

In the letter to the Romans the apostle Paul writes:

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth by means of unrighteousness.For all that is known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.Since, his invisibles are clearly seen from the time of the creation of the world, as they are understood through his creations, and his eternal power and divinity, so that they are incalculable.For when they knew God, they neither glorified him nor pleased him, but in vain reasoned they sought vain things, and their foolish heart was darkened." Rom. 1:18-21

Paul's purpose in verses 18-20 was to explain why the Gospel is God's power for salvation (Romans 1:16). The problem was that then, as today, most people believed that the way to reach God was to be condemned and terrorised by the fear of hell. People doubted that Paul's good news of God's love would be enough to cause them to repent. Thus, Paul began to prove that each person already has an instinctive knowledge of God's wrath against his sin.

We do not need to prove God's wrath. God has already done it. You do not have to be a Christian to know that murder, lying and stealing, for example, are not right. What people need to know is the good news, the gospel, that God has placed all His wrath for our sins on His own Son, Jesus Christ, so that we can receive complete forgiveness. This is the good news that will attract people to God and not the bad news, that is, the fear of hell:

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love" A 'Ιωάν. 4:18

"Or despise you the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?" Rom. 2: 4

In Romans 1: 18-20, Paul declares that God was revealed to all mankind. The Old Testament Scriptures proclaim that God was revealed to all through nature:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Day to day utters speech, and night to night shows knowledge.There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard." Psalm 19: 1-3

The apostle Paul stated that there is an "intuition", a revelation of God within every person. This instinctive knowledge that has been given to all of us is called conscience and Paul explains it below:

"For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law to themselves:Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another" Rom. 2: 14-15

In Romans 1:20, Paul said that this inner testimony of God enables one to see clearly the invisible things of God and to understand the meaning of Deity. Therefore, no one will be able to stand before God on the Day of Judgment and say, "God is not just." He gave all living people, no matter how distant or isolated, the opportunity to know Him. There is no excuse!

The question that arises here is: If all this is true, then why can we no longer observe this intuitive knowledge of God in the lives of those who have not heard the Gospel? Paul also answers this:

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. " Rom. 1:21-23

" Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron". 1Tim. 4:1-2

Apostasy is a sign of the end times. Paul warns us not to be deceived "Because the mystery of lawlessness is already at work" 2 Thessalonians 2:7

Although the origin of false teaching comes from these wicked spirits, it is humans who are being used to spreading these teachings. These propagandists are hypocrites and have seared their conscience. They are people who speak, inspired by demons.That is why it is very important, especially in the wicked times we live in, to examine everything under the light of the Scriptures with conscience and fear of God so we are carried away by any wind of delusion and intimidation.

I will close this message here with a favorite verse and with the hope that the light of the Word of God will enlighten your heart as well:

"Now thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the aroma of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are to God a sweet smell of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. To the one we are the smell of death to death; and to the other the smell of life to life. " 2Cor. 2:14-16

Amen!

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